Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital is often the starting point for journeys to Samarkand and Bukhara, but the city deserves time of its own. Among the best things to do in Tashkent are exploring the historic Hazrat Imam Complex, wandering through Chorsu Bazaar, admiring the city’s ornate metro stations and discovering its distinctive Soviet modernist architecture.
Beyond the main landmarks, Tashkent has traditional craft workshops, museums, contemporary art spaces and a food culture best experienced over a plate of local plov. Its broad avenues and modern districts sit alongside older neighbourhoods, where daily life follows a different pace.
Whether you have one day or two, this guide covers Tashkent’s top attractions and experiences, along with practical suggestions for planning your visit.
Plan Your Visit
1. Hazrat Imam Complex – Explore Old Tashkent
The Hazrat Imam Complex is a good place to begin exploring old Tashkent. The square brings together mosques, madrasahs and the mausoleum of Kaffal al-Shashi, a 10th-century scholar after whom the complex is named. The buildings date from different periods, and the contrast between the historic structures and the larger modern mosque is immediately noticeable.
Take time to look inside the courtyard of Barak-Khan Madrasah, where craft shops occupy former student rooms. Nearby stand the Tillya Sheikh Mosque and the mausoleum of Kaffal al-Shashi, which remains a place of pilgrimage. The complex is still used for worship, so visitors should dress respectfully and be mindful of prayer times.
The surrounding neighbourhoods are worth a look, too. In Gulbozor and Zarkaynar, narrow streets, traditional houses and high courtyard walls recall the Tashkent that existed before much of the city was rebuilt during the Soviet period. These are residential areas, so it is best to explore them quietly and respect people’s privacy.
Insider Tip: Don’t leave immediately after seeing the main square. A walk through the nearby mahallas gives a better impression of old Tashkent than the monuments alone.
2. Center for Islamic Civilization – Discover Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage
Just beside Hazrat Imam stands the Center for Islamic Civilization. The scale of the building is striking, with its enormous dome, broad entrance halls and richly decorated interiors. Inside, the exhibitions cover a much longer period of history than the name might suggest.
The collection begins with the region’s early civilisations and continues through the development of Islamic scholarship, science and the arts. Rare manuscripts, historical objects and digital displays help explain the contribution of Central Asian scholars to mathematics, astronomy, medicine and other fields.
The centrepiece is the Quran of Uthman, one of the oldest surviving Quran manuscripts, displayed in a hall designed specifically for it.
There is a great deal to see here, and the exhibitions deserve proper attention. This is not a place to squeeze into the last half-hour of a busy sightseeing day. Those with a strong interest in history may find that a visit takes considerably longer than expected.
Insider Tip: Tickets are issued for specific time slots, so book ahead and plan the rest of your day around your entry time. Allow at least two hours for the visit, and preferably longer if you want to explore the exhibitions in detail. You can then continue to nearby Chorsu Bazaar.
3. Chorsu Bazaar – Explore Tashkent’s Traditional Market
You will probably recognise Chorsu Bazaar by its enormous blue dome. Inside, the main market hall is filled with fruit, vegetables, nuts, dried apricots, spices and other goods. But the real pleasure of Chorsu is wandering beyond the central building.
The surrounding market rows sell bread, meat, clothes, household goods and almost anything else people might need. Traders call out prices, shoppers stop to examine produce, and the smell of freshly baked non — Uzbek bread — drifts through the food section.
The market has served this part of Tashkent for centuries, although the present domed building is much more recent. Unlike a market created mainly for tourists, Chorsu remains a place where local residents come for their daily shopping.
It is worth visiting even if you have no intention of buying anything. The bustle, food stalls and familiar routines of the traders make it one of the liveliest places in the city.
Insider Tip: For a glimpse of local life without the tourist polish, head to the obzhorny ryad (food alley) outside the main dome. Here, you can watch traditional dishes being prepared and see where and how locals eat. It’s busy, noisy and thoroughly unpretentious.
4. Tashkent Metro – Discover the City’s Underground Architecture
There are few cities where a metro ride counts as sightseeing, but Tashkent metro deserves a place on the itinerary. Opened in 1977, it was the first underground railway system in Central Asia, and many of its original stations were designed with the care normally reserved for public monuments.
Each station has its own character. Kosmonavtlar is decorated in shades of blue, with portraits celebrating Soviet space exploration. Alisher Navoi has vaulted ceilings inspired by traditional Central Asian architecture, while Pakhtakor uses decorative motifs associated with cotton.
Other stations worth seeing include Mustaqillik Maydoni, Abdulla Qodiriy and Buyuk Ipak Yuli. Marble columns, ceramic panels, mosaics and unusual lighting make even a short journey interesting.
There is no need to visit every station. Choose three or four that appeal to you and include them in a journey across the city. The metro is also an inexpensive and practical way to travel between Tashkent’s main sightseeing districts.
Insider Tip: Kosmonavtlar and Alisher Navoi are particularly good stations to compare. Their decoration reflects very different architectural ideas, and both can be included in a short metro sightseeing route.
5. Amir Timur Square – Walk Around Central Tashkent
Amir Timur Square has been one of Tashkent’s principal public spaces since the 19th century. Today, an equestrian statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlan) stands at its centre, surrounded by trees, lawns and broad avenues.
The square is interesting as much for its surroundings as for the monument itself. On one side stands Hotel Uzbekistan, a curved, late-Soviet building with a distinctive patterned façade. Nearby are the blue-domed Amir Timur Museum, the Tashkent Chimes and the Palace of International Forums.
Look out for the former women’s gymnasium, now occupied by Tashkent State University of Law. Its architecture belongs to an earlier period of the city’s development and provides an interesting contrast with the larger buildings around it.
This part of Tashkent is easy to explore on foot. The square connects naturally with nearby streets, museums and pedestrian areas, making it a good place to spend an hour without following a particularly strict route.
Insider Tip: Rather than stopping only for a photograph of the Amir Timur statue, walk around the square to see Hotel Uzbekistan and the older buildings nearby. The different architectural periods are part of what makes the area interesting.
6. Museum of Applied Arts – See Uzbek Craftsmanship Up Close
The Museum of Applied Arts is worth visiting for its building alone. Housed in a richly decorated former residence, it has carved wooden columns, painted ceilings and elaborate plasterwork that show the skill of Uzbek craftsmen.
Inside, the collection covers ceramics, embroidery, carpets, jewellery, wood carving and other traditional crafts. Among the highlights are suzani textiles, embroidered with floral and geometric designs, and examples of regional ceramics whose colours and patterns vary considerably.
The museum is relatively small, so it is possible to enjoy the collection without spending half a day there. The rooms themselves are just as interesting as the objects on display, particularly for visitors who appreciate traditional architecture and interior decoration.
It is also a useful introduction to crafts that can be seen in workshops elsewhere in Uzbekistan.
Insider Tip: Pay attention to the decoration of the rooms as you move through the museum. The carved woodwork and painted ceilings are part of the experience.
7. Center for Contemporary Arts – Explore Tashkent’s Contemporary Art Scene
Opened in September 2026, the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent) has brought a new cultural destination to the city centre. It occupies a former diesel power station and tram depot built in 1912, now carefully restored and adapted for exhibitions and public events.
The renovation by architectural studio Studio KO has preserved much of the building’s industrial character, including its brickwork and spacious halls. Modern galleries and exhibition spaces sit within the old structure, making the building interesting even before considering the artwork.
The centre hosts exhibitions by Uzbek and international artists, along with performances, film screenings, talks and workshops. The programme changes throughout the year, so there may be something quite different to see on a return visit.
CCA also has a library, restaurant and concept store, making it easy to spend more time here than a quick walk through the galleries.
Insider Tip: Admission is free, but check the current exhibition programme and any registration requirements before visiting. The exhibitions change, and some events require advance booking.
8. Besh Qozon – Try Traditional Tashkent Plov
A trip to Tashkent would hardly be complete without a proper plate of plov. Uzbekistan’s best-known dish comes in many regional varieties, and Tashkent is particularly famous for its festive-style plov, prepared with rice, meat, carrots and seasonings.
At Besh Qozon, near the Tashkent TV Tower, the cooking is part of the attraction. Enormous qozons — traditional cooking cauldrons — hold quantities of plov far beyond anything prepared in a home kitchen. Watching the cooks at work gives an idea of the scale involved in feeding hundreds of people.
The restaurant is popular with residents as well as tourists. Another branch operates on Glinka Street, while Kamolon Osh is a good alternative for those looking for a traditional plov lunch.
Although the ingredients may appear straightforward, the taste and texture depend on the cooking method, the type of rice and the balance of spices and fat. It is worth trying different versions during a journey through Uzbekistan.
Insider Tip: Go for lunch rather than dinner. Plov is prepared earlier in the day, and popular varieties may sell out. Arrive before the lunch rush to watch the cooking, and pair your plov with achichuk (a fresh tomato and onion salad), assorted pickles or suzma (thick, strained yoghurt). These make a refreshing contrast to the rich rice dish.
9. Traditional Craft Workshops – Meet Local Artisans
Museums show the finished work of Uzbek craftspeople, but workshops reveal how much time and skill go into making it. In Tashkent, visitors can try pottery, embroidery, cooking or other traditional crafts under the guidance of experienced artisans.
The Risola Handicraft Center brings several crafts together under one roof. Alongside its workshops, the centre has a ceramics museum, gallery and culinary corner. Depending on the programme, guests can watch demonstrations or join a practical class.
For a closer look at pottery, visit the Rishtan Ceramics Center, housed in the restored Kallakhona Madrasah near Chorsu Bazaar. The centre introduces the famous blue and turquoise ceramics of Rishtan, a town in the Fergana Valley known for its pottery traditions. Visitors can see a large collection of bowls, plates and other pieces, watch the artisans at work or try shaping clay on a potter’s wheel. Painting workshops are also available, offering a chance to learn how the intricate patterns are created.
A workshop visit gives you time to concentrate on a single craft, learn about the techniques involved and appreciate the patience behind even a seemingly simple ceramic bowl.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting Chorsu Bazaar, consider adding the nearby Rishtan Ceramics Center to your route. For a more hands-on experience, arrange a pottery or painting workshop in advance. Bear in mind that pieces made from scratch need several days to dry before firing, so you may not be able to take your creation home immediately.
10. Discover Tashkent’s UNESCO-Listed Modernist Architecture
Tashkent has an architectural side that is easy to overlook when concentrating on its mosques, madrasahs and markets. After the 1966 earthquake, much of the city was rebuilt in a distinctive modernist style, combining bold geometric forms, concrete structures and decorative elements inspired by Uzbek traditions.
Ten examples of this architecture are recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tashkent Modernist Architecture. Modernity and Tradition in Central Asia. They include museums, public buildings, a residential complex and even a metro station, showing how widely modernist ideas influenced the city’s development.
Among the most interesting places to see are the Palace of Friendship of Peoples, with its monumental design and geometric decoration, the former Panoramic Cinema, with its unusual curved façade, and the Zhemchug (Pearl) Residential Building, an experimental approach to apartment living. The Tashkent State Circus and the Central Exhibition Hall are also worth a look.
Two other UNESCO-listed sites, Chorsu Bazaar and Kosmonavtlar metro station, are already among Tashkent’s main attractions. The Big Solar Furnace, located outside the city near Parkent, is another remarkable example, though visiting it requires a separate excursion.
Several of these buildings can be visited independently, although they are spread across different parts of the city. For a closer look at Tashkent’s architectural history, consider a guided Soviet modernism tour or a more in-depth architectural itinerary.
Insider Tip: For a closer look at Tashkent’s modernist architecture, start with the Palace of Friendship of Peoples and the former Panoramic Cinema. Both are striking from the outside, and nearby streets provide further examples of Soviet-era urban design.
11. Tashkent City Park – See the Capital After Dark
Tashkent City Park is quite different from the older parts of the capital. Surrounded by modern office buildings, hotels and residential towers, the landscaped park has broad walkways, fountains and open spaces that attract families and evening visitors.
The best time to come is around sunset. In daylight, the park is a pleasant place for a walk, but after dark the illuminated buildings give the area an entirely different appearance.
There are places to sit and relax, and the surrounding district has restaurants and cafés for an evening meal.
For visitors who have spent much of their time among the historic buildings of old Tashkent, the park provides an opportunity to see the city’s more recent development.
Seoul Mun, a recreational area near the embankment, is another option for an evening outdoors, particularly for those who prefer a quieter walk.
Insider Tip: Arrive shortly before sunset. This gives you time to see the park in daylight and stay as the surrounding buildings begin to light up.
12. Magic City and AYA Project – Enjoy Family Entertainment
For families travelling with children, Magic City is among Tashkent’s better-known entertainment destinations. The complex has themed buildings, attractions, restaurants and open areas designed for recreation.
One of its main attractions is Magic Aquarium, which has a collection of aquatic species as well as animals such as penguins and capybaras. It is a popular option for families looking for something different after visiting museums and historic sites.
The AYA Project nearby offers another kind of experience, with digital installations, sound and lighting used to create immersive spaces.
These attractions are easy to combine with an afternoon or evening in the city. They are particularly useful when travelling with children or looking for activities that do not involve another museum or monument.
Insider Tip: Check opening hours, ticket arrangements and the available attractions before visiting. If you want to see both Magic Aquarium and AYA Project, it is worth planning the visit rather than leaving it until the end of the day.
13. Ichkari and Human House – Explore Tashkent’s Independent Cultural Spaces
Beyond the main attractions, Tashkent has a growing number of independent galleries, theatres and cultural spaces that are worth seeking out. Some occupy traditional houses tucked away in residential neighbourhoods, while others have been part of the city’s creative life for decades. They offer a chance to see what local artists, designers and performers are working on today.
Ichkari is a cultural space housed in a traditional Tashkent home on Belerik Street. Its rooms, courtyard and distinctive white balconies provide a setting for exhibitions, talks, intimate concerts and other events. Opened in 2026, the space has retained much of the character of the original house, making the building itself part of the experience. Its programme also includes audio walks exploring the history and memories associated with the property.
Human House, on Kichik Mirobod Street, brings together the work of Central Asian artists, craftspeople and designers. Inside the old house, visitors can browse clothing, ceramics, jewellery and decorative objects, many of them handmade or produced in small quantities. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, workshops and cultural gatherings. It is a pleasant place to explore contemporary interpretations of traditional crafts and perhaps find something unusual to take home.
Insider Tip: Check the exhibition and event programmes before visiting. Ichkari and Human House regularly host cultural events, workshops and small exhibitions, so the experience can vary considerably depending on the day.
What to Do in Tashkent in One Day
With only one day in Tashkent, concentrate on the old city and the central districts. Trying to visit every museum and attraction will leave little time to enjoy any of them.
Morning: Begin at Hazrat Imam Complex. Explore the square and nearby historic buildings, then visit the Center for Islamic Civilization if time permits. A detailed visit to the centre can take several hours, so decide beforehand how much of the day to devote to it.
From there, continue to Chorsu Bazaar. Spend some time exploring the food stalls and surrounding market rows, rather than limiting the visit to the main blue dome.
Afternoon: After lunch, take the metro towards central Tashkent. Stop at a few of its decorated stations, such as Alisher Navoi and Kosmonavtlar, before continuing to Amir Timur Square.
Walk around the square to see Hotel Uzbekistan, the Amir Timur Museum and other nearby buildings. If time allows, add the Museum of Applied Arts.
Evening: Finish with a traditional Uzbek dinner and a walk along Sayilgoh Street or through the central districts.
Those who prefer a guided visit with transport arranged can choose a Tashkent city tour.
What to Do in Tashkent in Two Days
Two days give you more freedom to explore the city without rushing. The first can focus on its historic districts and main landmarks, while the second leaves room for museums, crafts and evening entertainment.
Day 1 – Old Tashkent and the City Centre
Begin at Hazrat Imam Complex and continue to the Center for Islamic Civilization. Allow enough time for the exhibitions, particularly if you are interested in the region’s religious and intellectual history.
Afterwards, head to Chorsu Bazaar. Explore the market and stop for lunch before taking the metro towards the city centre.
Spend the afternoon around Amir Timur Square, with time to see the surrounding buildings and perhaps visit the Amir Timur Museum.
Finish with dinner and a walk along Sayilgoh Street.
Day 2 – Museums, Crafts and Modern Tashkent
Start at the Museum of Applied Arts, where the building and collection provide a good introduction to Uzbekistan’s decorative traditions.
Later in the morning or afternoon, visit a traditional craft workshop. A pottery or wood-carving class is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours, especially if you prefer practical experiences to conventional sightseeing.
For lunch, consider Besh Qozon or Kamolon Osh for traditional plov.
In the afternoon, visit the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent) or arrange a traditional craft workshop, depending on your interests. Both provide a closer look at different aspects of Uzbekistan’s artistic life.
Spend the evening at Tashkent City Park or choose Magic City and AYA Project if travelling with children.
With extra time, two other places are worth considering:
- Minor Mosque, a modern white marble mosque with a spacious courtyard.
- Tashkent TV Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable modern landmarks, with an observation area for views over Tashkent.
Neither is essential to a short visit, but both can be added according to your interests.
FAQ About Things to Do in Tashkent
Is Tashkent worth visiting?
Yes, Tashkent is worth visiting for its distinctive Soviet modernist architecture, beautifully decorated metro stations, historic Chorsu Bazaar and growing contemporary arts scene.
What are the best things to do in Tashkent in one day?
Begin with Hazrat Imam Complex and Chorsu Bazaar, then take the metro into the city centre. Amir Timur Square and the Museum of Applied Arts are good afternoon choices. If time permits, visit the Center for Islamic Civilization, although its exhibitions deserve more than a quick stop.
What is new to see in Tashkent?
Tashkent has gained several new cultural attractions, including the Center for Islamic Civilization, which opened in March 2026, and the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA Tashkent), housed in a restored historic power station. The independent cultural space Ichkari is another addition to the city’s creative scene. Meanwhile, ten examples of Tashkent’s Soviet modernist architecture have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, giving visitors another reason to explore the city’s architectural heritage.
What is Tashkent famous for?
Tashkent is most famous for its beautifully decorated metro stations, the historic Chorsu Bazaar, traditional Uzbek plov and distinctive Soviet modernist architecture, including buildings recognised by UNESCO. As Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city, it is also known for the Hazrat Imam Complex and its mix of Islamic heritage, Soviet-era landmarks and modern cultural attractions.
How many days do you need in Tashkent?
One day is enough to see several of the main attractions. Two days allow time for museums, craft workshops, food experiences and a more relaxed exploration of the city.